Hugh's News & Commentary

Growing up as a boy in Birmingham, Alabama, my dad always planted a garden for our family.

When I got to high school, my dad turned the annual garden over to me. He gave me an opportunity to plan ahead, prepare the soil, lay out the rows, plant the seed, and fertilize. Weeding was another issue. Seeing things grow has always interested me, and this is the best season of the year when I prepare my two above-the-ground gardens, plant my seed, and utilize the techniques I have learned from many others.

I have discovered where to purchase my seed. A farmer in Midland, TX, told me about Tomato Growers Supply Company in Fort Myers, FL. I am sold on the concept of purchasing my own seed by selecting the varieties that appeal to me. Last year I had tomatoes that weighed over a pound a piece. Home gardening is becoming a great American hobby once again. And I hope I am inspiring you to try your hand at it. You can do it, if I can.

There seems to be a resurgence for gardening in America because it is fun, gives one a sense of accomplishment, and then to harvest fresh, safe food, saving money and energy and eating the labor of your work, the fruit of the vines.There is nothing like a tomato sandwich on white bread with some mayonnaise, salt and pepper, and a glass of sweet milk. It will put diamonds in your smile.

The photo above is of one of my above-the-ground gardens that is 16 feet long, and 4 feet wide. I built these gardens several years ago out of landscape timbers. I notice that I will have to replace some of the top ones that are decaying, but that is a part of the process to maintain the gardens in good shape. I have personally selected the soil and add more every year including process cow manure, peat moss, jungle growth, pearlite, and much more.

I have learned that planting marigolds around the perimeter of the garden produces an insect repellent. I am told that deer do not like the smell, and that is a good thing to keep deer away from your garden. We have deer in the woods near our home.

Since I have matured as a gardener, I now offer consultation for fellow gardeners who would like to get started. For others, I charge a nominal fee for my expertise, if I have any.You'll have to be the judge.

Should I have a bumper crop this year will be dependent upon God, the weather and rain. Last year was the best year ever for me in my ideal location in Winder, GA. The good Lord smiled on my gardens.

I raise tomatoes and other veggies to give away after I have fed my family. I like to give my pastor and his staff tomatoes. They get the first fruits, don't you see. God loves a cheerful giver, and Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I have found that to be true.

I call my tomatoes, "Gospel Tomatoes."  The employees of the Dairy Queen in Winder, the best kept secret in the known world, owned by Bob Waters, are asking me about my tomatoes. DQ has the best breakfast biscuits in the South. I like steak and egg, sausage and egg biscuits. I give God all the glory for my tomatoes, and He usually grants me favor and success. When you pray, pray for my two above-the-ground gardens. At my home we pray about every thing.